Singer Miley Cyrus performs during A Time for Heroes Celebrity Carnival Sponsored by Disney, benefiting the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, held at Wadsworth Theatre on June 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for EGPAF)

LOS ANGELES, June 9 — Celebrities helped create a generation free of HIV at the 20th annual A Time For Heroes Family Picnic, held June 7 in Los Angeles in support of the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. More than 80 of Hollywood’s best-known names volunteered their time as “heroes” working carnival-style game booths and interacting with guests and families. Drawn from the worlds of film, television, fashion, sports and music were such attendees as Heidi Klum, Mark Wahlberg, Dwyane Wade, Billy Crystal, Sharon Stone, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Tony Hawk among many others. The day was topped off with a musical performance by superstar and Disney recording artist Miley Cyrus. The fun-filled day combined play with purpose as guests also learned about the Foundation’s 20-year history of battling pediatric AIDS and helping children and families around the world. The event raised more than $1.3 million for the fight against pediatric AIDS.

Kids and families were dazzled with many activities and surprises including: Continue reading…

BRISBANE, Calif., June 9 — Walmart today unveiled a new, exclusive Jonas Brothers concert and special behind-the-scenes interviews with the band that can only be seen online at Walmart.com. The private concert was filmed in Hollywood last month and features never-before-seen footage of the band’s first live performance of songs from their upcoming album, Lines, Vines and Trying Times, scheduled for release in all nationwide stores and online on June 16. Starting today, Walmart.com allows Jonas fans to watch Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas sing songs from and talk about making their new, highly anticipated album.

“We are excited to join forces with Walmart to provide our fans an opportunity to enjoy a special performance from our new album, like the one you’ll find online today at Walmart.com,” said Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers.

Keister Coaster, the pool side at Boardwalk Inn’s Luna Park pool, will be closed from June 15 through June 17. While the rest of the pool and the resort’s quiet pools will remain open, guests of the Boardwalk Inn will also have access to Stormalong Bay at the Beach/Yacht club during this time. A shuttle between the resorts will be offered.

Planning a trip to Walt Disney World? Be the first to know when changes that potentially affect your trip occur by signing up with ReSearch!

On Tuesday, June 9, Disney Theatrical will make a compilation of 19 tracks from the original cast recordings of all of its Broadway shows from the past fifteen years. That’s music from Beauty and the Beast, Aida, the Lion King, Tarzan, Mary Poppins and the Little Mermaid.

In addition, iTunes will have exclusive bonuses available such as a previously unreleased version of ‘Feed the Birds’ as performed by Ashley Brown, who originated the role of Mary Poppins. iTunes will also offer a video clip of a performance of ‘Step in Time’ from the show itself.

PHOENIX, June 8 — Have you dreamed of hanging out on the set of a Disney Channel original series? One lucky fan and his or her family will have the exclusive opportunity to visit the set of the Disney original series JONAS and rock out with the cast as part of the Best Western International Rockin’ Vacation Sweepstakes, which begins today.

Through August 16, fans can enter the Best Western Rockin’ Vacation Sweepstakes by visiting www.bestwestern.com. One grand prize winner will be randomly selected to travel to Los Angeles with up to three additional family members for a three-night vacation and the chance to meet the JONAS cast in early 2010, when the show begins taping second season episodes.

LONDON, June 8 — Ludorum plc, a leading specialist in the creation of global pre-school childrens’ IP, announced today that it has licensed Chuggington, its successful train based pre-school series, to Disney Channel for its Playhouse Disney programming block in the United States.

Disney Channel will launch the series, consisting of 52 episodes, on Playhouse Disney block in the U.S. in the Spring of 2010.

BURBANK, Calif., June 8 — In 2008 audiences around the globe re-discovered and fell in love with one of the world’s most iconic characters, as Walt Disney Pictures launched the breathtaking origin story of a beloved character in the fantastic all-new animated adventure — Tinker Bell, the debut film in the exciting new “Disney Fairies” movie series. The delightful tale thrilled audiences of all ages, soaring to reach the year’s number one spot as the biggest Direct-To-DVD release of 2008.* Releasing on October 27, 2009, the enchanting pixie-dusted tale continues in an even more action-packed adventure, as Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure delightfully expands the world of fairies and takes Tink far beyond Pixie Hollow in an original full-length CG animated film that flies to Blu-ray (“Combo Pack” Blu-ray +DVD) and standard def DVD.

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment (WDSHE) also announced today that the wondrous adventures will continue in a fifth installment beyond the previously announced four films with Tinker Bell: Race Through the Seasons (working title), which is currently in development by DisneyToons Studios and is directed by Bobs Gannaway.

Here’s a closer look at some of the merchandise for Disney/Pixar’s UP available at the World of Disney and exclusively at FAO Schwarz along with the product displays. Many of the items at the World of Disney aren’t listed on disneystore.com either so they may be theme park exclusives.

In a photo taken June 4, 2009, members of the pop group “No Doubt” (L-R): singer Gwen Stefani, bass player Tony Kanal and guitarist Tom Dumont, pose with Goofy at the Magic Kingdom in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. The group was taking a break from their current concert tour to enjoy a day at the Walt Disney World Resort theme park. (Diana Zalucky, photographer)

In commemoration of the newest release from Disney/Pixar, the Disney Gift Card is now available in a special design featuring the film’s stars. In limited release, this gift card is available only at the ticket booths at Walt Disney World’s Epcot and the Disneyland Resort.

For more information on the Disney Gift Card, visit its official website here.